Adrik took point. “Most of the art that’s left, is down in the storage rooms. There’s a lot of it. It looks like the curators moved as much as they could to safe rooms before the weapon was detonated. Some even elected to stay with it—a sacrifice for their art. So, don’t be surprised to see a corpse or two.”
Adrik pushed the door open. “I’ll go set up the light beacon. Wait here.” He walked the maze of boxes and statues until he reached the center of the room. He placed the beacon on top of a high box and switched it on. Light flooded the room. Thousands of pieces of art lined the walls and floors. Crates lunged upward until they nearly reached the ceiling.
Rodí gasped.
Gwyn watched Rodí’s expression. “It’s amazing isn’t, it? And, it’s ours for the taking.” Gwyn reached into her pack and withdrew several cargo nets with levitation devices. “We’ll fill these with what we can take, and push them back to the Pleiades.”
Rodí stumbled forward, knocking over a crate. “Sorry.”
“Just be careful. This area is old. Don’t want you hurting yourself.”
He grimaced.
“We’re only taking paintings, and drawings today. No frames. Roll them carefully, and secure them with these.” Gwyn tossed a package of lightweight cables to Rodí.
***
Sweat poured from Gwyn’s face as she secured the final cargo net to the others. “Stand back. Don’t want you knocked down, Rodí. Are you set, Adrik?”
“Yes. On my mark, push the button. One, two, three, mark.”
In unison, they pressed the buttons, and all thirty nets rose five-feet into the air.
“Rodí, you take center. Gwyn will lead the train, and I’ll guide it from behind. Let’s get out of here.”
***
Gwyn spoke into her communicator. “According to my navcom, we’re only about one hundred-feet from the ship.”
“Good thing. It’s getting dark.” Adrik quickened his pace.
Gwyn stopped abruptly behind a line of trees, just short of the clearing. “Stop, and be quiet! Adrik, there’s Militarian here.”
“What? How?” Adrik let go of the train and pulled out his pulse pistol. He the pistol against Rodrigo’s forehead. “What’d you do? Answer me, Rodrigo! What was your price to betray us?” He pressed the tip of the gun harder into his flesh.
Pistol drawn, Gwyn rushed behind him.
“What makes you think I betrayed you?” Rodí reached for his own pistol but stopped short when he saw Gwyn’s.
“Don’t move, and don’t you lie to me, Rodí. Give me one good reason I shouldn’t kill you.”
“How about the truth. I didn’t contact the Militarian. I’d never do that to you, Gwyn. Never. Shoot me if you don’t believe me—do it!”
Gwyn studied his face and holstered her pistol. Adrik followed her lead. “He didn’t do it.”
“Then how’d they find us, Gwyn?”
“I don’t know. We’ll figure it out later.” She watched the clearing and kicked the ground with the toe of her boot. “How do we get out of here?”
“Let me see your navcom, maybe I can retrofit it to pick up their signal.” Adrik fiddled with the machine. It beeped twice. “That should do it.” He tuned it to the Militarian standard frequency.
A deep voice cut through the static. “They couldn’t have gotten far. There’s still trace amounts of engine emissions in the area. They’ve been here eight hours at the most.”
“Any sign of the Gwyndalaria, or Adrik?”
Gwyn’s eyes widened. “They know you’re alive.”
“It was only a matter of time before they realized it wasn’t my body that burned up. I’d hoped the DNA from my tooth would have slowed them down a little bit more. They must have tracked your ship from Raygus Prime when we left orbit.”
Rodí dropped to the ground and rocked back and forth. “I told you! It wasn’t me. Look at the mess you’ve gotten me in. We’ll all be dead in a matter of minutes. I can’t spend money when I’m dead. I should’ve stayed back in Tortuga.”
“Shut up! Let me think.” Gwyn leaned against the cargo train. “I’m not losing this payload. It’s too valuable.”
Adrik kissed Gwyn. “Look, it could just be a scout ship. Let me go survey the area. We might be able to get out with a little gunfire, and fancy flying.”
Gwynn nodded. “Go. I’ll reset the levitation device. It won’t hold for long, but I might be able to adjust it so that it’ll float above the trees long enough to grapple it into the Pleiades.” Gwyn pulled a small screw driver from her pack.
“Keep the navcom on. I’ll signal you. Use channel 3.2. It’ll be secure.”
“Will do.”
***
The navcom buzzed. “Gwyn. It’s a scout ship. They must be in the jungle looking for us. I’ve taken out their long range communications and destabilized their navigation panel. It’ll give us a head start. The communicator cut out. “Gwyn, there has to be a Militarian cruiser in orbit. We have to be careful.”
“Okay, I’ve just about got the levitation device reset.”
Rodí frowned. “Gwyn, stop. Won’t they see the cargo once it’s air born?”
She nodded. “They will Rodí. Hopefully, they’re closer to the Louvre than they are to us.” Gwyn pushed the cargo train away, into the center of the trail.
The navcom buzzed again. “You’re all clear, Gwyn. I’m in the Pleiades. Ignition sequence is in progress. Five, four, three, two. Go for it!”
Gwyn turned the device on and drew her pistol. “We have about ten minutes before this will crash to the ground. Run Rodí.”
***
Gwyn plopped down into her chair. “Have you seen the Militarian cruiser yet?”
Adrik didn’t look up from the screen. “No, but it’s out there, somewhere.”
Gwyn flew the ship above the trees and hovered over the cargo. She released the grappling hook. Red and green laser pulses streaked through the air.
“I think the ground soldiers found us, but at least they can’t radio out.” Rodí buckled his seat belt.
“Come on just a few more feet, and we can take off.” Gwyn jockeyed the grappling hook into position and maneuvered it through the cargo net. “Got, it.”
The Pleiades rocked as one of the laser pulses made contact with the hull. “Caracho!” Gwyn muttered under her breath. “One more hit like that, and we’ll lose our cargo. Just a couple more feet. Come on baby.”
The ship shook again, this time as the cargo doors slammed shut. “Okay, we’re out of here.”
“Stay low Gwyn, no higher than 1500-feet.” Adrik adjusted the navscreen. “There.” He placed a finger on the green dot indicating the security net’s hole. “See that blip. That’s their Militarian cruiser. They’ve trapped us.”
“What about a diversion? Would they leave the exit, if they thought our ship exploded?” Gwyn stared off into the horizon.
“They might since the scout ship is out of commission.” Adrik watched the screen for any indication of movement.
“What are you going to do, Gwyn?” Rodí leaned forward in his chai,r as far as the belt allowed.
“You’re not going to like it Rodí. If we want to get out of here, it’s the only way.”
“Not, the cargo!” Rodí unfastened his belt and lunged forward. “You can’t. This will all be for nothing if you do.”
“Sit down, Rodí, or I’ll restrain you. I can and I will.”
Rodí reluctantly sat down.
“There’ll be more. There’s always more. But, if we don’t get out of here. We can’t get it, and right now those paintings are our only chance for freedom. There should be enough chemicals on them to start a real good fire. Boys, we’re going to drop the cargo onto that old Liberty statue’s torch. Adrik when it hits, light it up with plasma fire. And I’ll punch it. Any luck the Militarian will come and investigate, and we can slip through the security net.”
Gwyn lowered the cargo until it rested on top of the Liberty s
tatue’s torch. “There goes our retirement, Adrik.” She released the grappling hook and raised it back to the ship.
“It’s just a setback, Gwyn.” Adrik placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You know, now that the Militarian knows that there’s art left in the Louvre, they’re going to have it guarded. We won’t be able to get back in there.” Rodí sighed. “We only had one shot.”
“Adrik, fire at will, and let’s get out of here.” Adrik shot a ball of plasma fire and ignited the cargo. It burst into a massive flame.
“Look at it burn. All that money.” Rodí shook his head.
Adrik studied the navscreen. “The cruiser’s leaving orbit, and heading this way.”
Gwyn laid in a course in the opposite direction and pushed the throttle down. “Well, the Louvre might be off limits, but have you heard of the Vatican? It’s an old religious building and rumored to be full of treasure. I know a guy on Alpha Centauri that sells cloaking devices.” Gwyn smiled.
THE END
Book Three: Beneath The Metreskan Sands
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
A Special Thank You
More Books by
Arwen Chandler
About the Author
Chapter One
Early evening winds swept across the Metreskan desert, gently folding sand dunes, and erasing footprints. A chill had settled on the land as the sun draped low in the horizon, and the fragrance of creosote bushes filled the air. Babylonia tied her flaming red hair into place and wiped the sweat and dirt from the top of her brow with her pink bandana. She dropped to her knees in the sand. “It’s beautiful.”
She glanced over her shoulder before leaning over to examine the artifact further. “Uri . . ..” her voice barely audible above the howling wind that moved across the singing rocks. “Uri, come quickly.”
Uri dropped his trowel and scrambled up beside her. His dark knees made circular divots in the sand. He examined the object nestled in the dirt next to Babylonia’s small hand.
“I think we’ve found it.” Babylonia gave him a brush. “You do the honors. It’s your people.” She leaned back on her feet.
He carefully brushed away the thin layer of dust revealing the twisting edges of a ruby and sapphire encrusted silver pendant. A multi-tentacled creature draped his long appendages around the gemstones. Uri ran a finger over the surface of the pendant and his fingers lightly brushed across the back of Babylonia’s hand. Electricity surged between them.
Babylonia gasped as the heat crawled up her arm and she reddened. For a moment, the pair knelt in silence. Babylonia cleared her throat, and carefully pulled the object from its resting place. It was unusually cold to the touch and heavier than she’d imagined. She brought it closer to examine it further. “It’s a pendant from King Fanning’s Court. Unmistakable. It’s exactly as the legend-keepers have described it. We are looking at an actual artifact left behind by the world builders.”
She placed the pendant in Uri’s open hand.
“You know what this means Uri? It’s significance?”
Uri nodded, “I may be new to digging in the dirt, but I do know my people’s legends. It means that the Metreskan Dynasty ruled in this area! We have proof.” Uri closed his eyes and traced the smooth stones with his finger. He could almost see his ancestors building their empire, seeding the world, and creating a planet safe for the exiles of Old Earth. He opened his eyes, “You know the regime isn’t going to like this.” He handed her the pendant, and she dropped it into a clear plastic bag.
“No, they’re not. Neither are the Militarian.” Babylonia rocked back onto her heels. “The quicker we get this piece cataloged, the better.” She stood, stretching her back and legs.
Uri picked up his sketchpad and quickly drew the pendant’s location and added the coordinates.
She placed the pendant on a long table that held numerous other artifacts. “After you finish your sketch, have Johansson catalog it.”
Uri nodded.
“Then how about meeting me at Crowley’s for a drink. The Militarian may not like the implications of this finding, but I’m elated. I want to celebrate.” Babylonia started across the compound but looked back. “Oh, and tell the guys the drinks are on me, but no alcohol. I won’t have my crew sauced. We have too much to do, now that we know for sure what we’re looking at.”
Uri gave her mock salute. “I’ll see to it. Ms. Steele.”
Babylonia rolled her eyes. “As you were.” She crossed the few hundred yards from the dig site to her starcruiser, the Lady Serpentine, with haste. Her long hair shone like spun copper in the evening sun. The dessert winds whipped stray hairs and little bits of sand into her eyes. She blinked as tears of protest obscured her vision. “Next time remember the goggles, Babylonia.”
The Lady Serpentine sat nestled in the center of a rocky outcropping. Here the scenery was a stark contrast to the desert’s rolling sands. The evening sun bounced off the towering rocks. They glowed orange and red in the direct light, but as the sun sunk lower into the horizon, the rocks changed color to a brilliant glowing purple.
A few feet away from the Lady Serpentine’s hatch, the hum of the mechanical wind turbines generating electricity for the dig site buzzed. Babylonia paused. She glanced at the machines; everything appeared to be working. “I’ve got to remember to have Johansson check on those in the morning.”
She rested her hand on the side of the cruiser, “Hopefully, they’re not draining too much of your power.” She patted The Lady Serpentine and stepped up the temporary steps to the hatch.
“Open.” The door flashed open with a pop and a hiss. She frowned. “I need new funding. One of these days you’re not going to open.” She ducked her head and stepped through. The cold air refreshed her hot and dry skin.
“Close.” The door shook but finally shut. “Once I get this new finding to the council, I’ll get you fixed. I promise.”
Babylonia unlaced her boots and dropped her clothes to the floor. She dialed Gwyn’s number for the Pleiades, sank into her overstuffed lounge chair and shut her eyes. “Just for a few minutes.” She murmured. Babylonia waited for Gwyn to pick up, but she didn’t answer. A computer voice came on the line. “Ms. Casteliano is out. Please leave a message. Say one for video, say two for voice.
Babylonia looked down at her naked body and laughed. “Two, please.”
“You may now leave your voice message.”
“Gwyn, this is Babylonia. I’ve found it! It’s here. I finally have proof! The Metreskans settled this planet first!” Her green eyes flashed with excitement.
“Man, Gwyn, I can’t tell you how I wish you were here.” Babylonia paused, pushing away the memories that filled her mind. “Anyway. I just wanted you to know because you’re the only person I know who’d be as excited about this as me. I miss you girl.” She paused again. “If you’re ever in this sector, stop by for a bit. I could use your expertise. Just in case there’s trouble. I’m certain the Militarian aren’t going to like this finding.” She paused, “Oh, and speaking of, send my regards to that guy of yours. I know you’re wondering if there’s anything new on the romance site, um, well. Let’s just say maybe, and if you stop by Mirada, I will fill you in.” Babylonia grinned. “His name is Uri. Okay. That's all I’m telling you over the com. Call me back when you get this. Later, Chica.”
Babylonia ended the call and leaned back in her chair. She shut her eyes and focused on her ship’s environmental program. The melodious warble of bird calls and the cascading sound of a babbling brook filled the cabin. The sweet mountain air programmed into her internal atmosphere swept across her bare flesh. Her skin raised int
o thousands of little goose bumps, but after the heat of the day, it was a welcome feeling, so she resisted the urge to grab a blanket. Babylonia stretched her long legs and sunk deeper into the lounge. Soon, the rhythm of her breath kept time to the gentle hum of the machinery in her cabin, lulling her to sleep. As she dreamed, the land outside grew dark and purple.
The loud thrum of helocruisers and sirens pierced the quiet. Babylonia thought she was dreaming, but as the sounds intensified her cabin shook. She bolted upright. “Crap!” Babylonia threw on her silky kimono styled robe, slipped her bare feet into her boots and rushed out the door.
Green, purple and silver lights flooded the dig site as Militarian troopers stomped across her newly excavated field. Their boots smashed through gridlines and trampled artifacts like they were debris left over from a space fight. A large man stood next to her command tent dressed in black combat fatigues. He barked commands to men who were dumping her findings and paperwork into large black bags.
Babylonia took off at full speed. Her lean body unusually fast for a woman of Old Earth descent. Babylonia bowed up to the man in charge. “What do you think you’re doing? This is a dig site authorized by the Metreskan Heritage Council. You have no authority here.” She poked him in the chest with her long finger. “You need to leave. Now. Put my things down.” He pushed forward, and she stumbled backward, barely regaining her footing.
He shoved a paper in front of her face that bore the Militarian seal.
She scanned it. “This can’t be!”
The soldier read it aloud. “Dr. Steele, you are accused of digging without a permit, and profiteering.” He pushed Babylonia into a chair. “We are removing the contraband, and if you’re quiet, I’ll let you go with a warning.”
“Let me go with a warning!” Babylonia snarled. “I’ve got all of my permits. Everything is in order, and you have no right to interfere with this dig. Who do you think you are?”
The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Page 9
